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Sunday, 31 March 2013

So... because I have an ever so slight shopping addiction... I kind of brought stuff. I'm going to show you and then discuss the possibility of makeup spending bans because my collection is growing faster than I'm using things up and currently, I have no room!

Firstly, I purchased some things from Asda. I knew I had to get this book because I want to start reading again and after I saw this on a few other blogs and I do love a good bandwagon haha, I thought I would give it a go for £3.75.

My mum recieved a few NSpa products for her birthday from friends, and I adored the scent. In Asda, there was money off the products so I ended up getting the fragrance, which I was so happy they made! I think this was £3 instead of £3.95. Not a huge saving, but when you see that little yellow rollback sign you can't help it!

I also purchased some cotton pads from Asda, but they're boring essentials so I'm sure you'll know what they look like!

Afterwards, I took a trip to Boots. I ran out of my Soap & Glory Hand Maid, but I wanted a cheaper alternative so I found this one by Cuticura. I don't like they surgical scent of most sanitizers so this one looked nice as the scent is Passion Flower and Mango. This was only £1.30 for 100ml which was great compared to the S&G alternative which is 50ml for £2.50.

Also in Boots, I had a browse in their clearance section and found two amazing things! The first thing I noticed was a Natural Collection blusher in Sweet Cheeks. The colour is like a dusty pink/coral and it is completely matte. I'm wearing it now and I love it! The best bit, this was 50p!!! The only fault with it is that the pan falls out but it's nothing serious that a bit of glue can't fix!

Probably the biggest bargain EVER. I managed to find this 'Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Liner' in Sequins from Stila for £2! This is quite confusing as the store I go to doesn't even sell Stila, but no way will I complain! I tried this out yesterday and it is really easy to use and looks really glamourous because of the small silver glitter pieces. Yay!

Lasting, I went to Poundland. I saw that Poundland did nail stamping kits on Helen's blog - linked. I got so excited, but only managed to find the tip one. There's a few more Poundlands I can look in when I am out and about so hopefully I will find the other design in there!

Also from Poundland I got some rollers, because my hair is always so flat I'm willing to try most things that give bounce and volume! (Let me know any recommendations!) However, they get stuck in my hair and are inredibly sticky/spikey/attach to your clothes all the time and when I used them I felt they damaged my hair too much as I practically had to rip them out! They are now property of my nan as her hair is a lot shorter and I don't think she minds as much about hair health.

Lastly, I popped into Next and got this slouchy, coral tshirt for £12. This is on the more expensive side of things, but the quality is outstanding and it is ridiculously soft!

So, there you have my haul! I am thinking about a spending ban, because the more I spend on makeup, the less I spend on clothes and I find myself moaning about my wardrobe. So, if anyone would like to join me on a makeup only spending ban (meaning I won't buy any makeup, only clothes etc.) let me know! Or perhaps a project 10 pan, that would be really fun too!

Thank you very much for reading and don't forget to follow whilst you're here!

I had pics of this product as I was going to feature it in a haul, but I never did so I thought I would do a review!

Before this, I had never used an eye makeup remover. Looking back now, I don't know how I coped removing waterproof mascara every night!

The concept of the 'Double effect' is that there is an 'aqueous phase' and an 'oil phase' which you shake to combine them and then squirt some onto a cotton pad. The only down side of the two 'phases' is that they do not stay mixed for long, in fact you shake it and 2 seconds after they have split up again. But, hey ho, its oil and water so what do you expect? For this, I use the round cotton wool pads, and gently rub my eye, trying not to tug. It takes eyeshadow off in an instant, but to remove mascara I look up but with my eyes closed and wiggle the cotton pad on my lashes. That doesn't sound like it would work at all, but I try to avoid rubbing the delicate eye area as much as possible!

The oil in this eye makeup remover does make it feel very greasy, however I don't mind as I think it protects my eye area too. I wash my face straight after using this, so it doesn't bother me.

You can find this item in Boots, Superdrug and Asda, but no doubt you can find it in other supermarkets too. I found this one for £1.50, no 'rollback' in Asda, which was such a bargain as Boots sell it for over £3.29! I have linked the Superdrug site, which will direct you to the page to buy this product where it is currently half price. Sadly, I can't find it on Boots at the moment!

Looking for a budget friendly, eye friendly eye makeup remover? Give this a go. I find it very effective at doing the job!

Thank you for reading!

Megan x

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Wednesday, 27 March 2013

I know a few of you have been anticipating this review, so here it is!

Firstly, let's begin with the packaging. I love this products packaging, initially that is what drew me to it! The box is a cube shape, wih many bright colours in the pattern which appears to be floral, but just petals? I love everything about the cardboard box it comes in - I think I will keep it if it doesn't get too tatty! The actual product packaging is really nice too (not the worst or the best though), a baby pink with 'Seventeen' written on it. To open, you twist like your are opening a bottle and inside there is the product at the bottom and the sponge in the lid. There is also a mirror on the top, which is really handy though will get scratched and dirty as there is nothing to protect it, because it is situated at the top of the product on the outside.

The sponge can and will get dirty but I shouldn't think it will be too hard to wash. If you have a spray on blush cleaner that could do the trick. I would recommend you keep the plastic layer it comes with that separates the product and the sponge, because otherwise the continous stamping on your face then putting it back, directly onto the product could cause the blush to change colour or texture as the oils from your face are transferred.

The concept of this product is explained on the back of the packaging. The idea is, you stamp the sponge onto the apples of your cheeks, then blend out.

I have the shade 'Coral', purely because it was the only shade that they had a tester of. I think I might buy the other in Pink though, because as you will read, I love this!

I really agree with the 'Spring Glow' claim. The golden shimmer gives your face a 'lit within' look and you can miss highlight with this, I think it does the job itself!

As Charlotte asked in the comments, it does blend out nicely with either fingers or brush, however if you apply this over foundation that is still wet you tend to have a harder time blending! You do get a lot of blush on the sponge, so stamp carefully!

Above, I stamped onto my hand and also did a swatch using my finger. As you can see, the look is quite sheer but buildable. The consistancy of the product is nice, perhaps a little too on the powdery side to touch, but that doesn't translate to the skin. The actual colour is beautiful; a peachy coral with fine gold shimmer which gives the glow I like. I love this on the cheeks! It looks so healthy and natural which is great as they are two things I do look for in a blush.

I find it lasts around 5 hours on unprimed skin, which I didn't think was too bad. Especially as it is only £4.99! Get it quick, this is Limited Edition!

Overall, I would recommend this 100%. I love the idea and how compact and good for on the go it is. Please Seventeen, do these in face powder for? They would be such great products, and stamping with a sponge wouldn't move your foundation!

Want to buy? You can find it on the Boots website, or instore. However, the product on the Boots website does not link to buy, so perhaps only instore? Or maybe a Boots man/lady did a link mess up!

Oh my... I have the problem of skinny ankles, but as these are lace up I think they would suite me very well. They also have cutout detailing on the heel, which I think is very suitable for the seasons ahead and as they are leather no doubt the quality will be great as well.

I think it is the dusty colour of these that makes me want them. I actually don't own any shorts, so perhaps I should start with these! Oh my... maybe I should just link you the Topshop website and tell you I want everything... because I think I actually do!

There's something beautiful about denim, floral and tan leather that screams Spring. Again, these are lace up so that should cover the ankle problemo, and they also have a slight heel which will stop my foot looking like a boat. Win win!

I'm not exactly on the petite side of Topshop, but that won't stop me from wanting this! It looks quite cropped, but something high waisted or layering this is still an option. If you're going on holiday, then wearing it cropped would look great too! Sadly, I'm not going on holiday this year as far as I know so perhaps this is one to save for the rare sunny days in England!

I actually scrolled past these, but then I saw them again with the LA tee and.. well... now I kinda want them! No doubt they would be too short for me but I think a bit of ankle on show would look really flattering!

Monday, 25 March 2013

Reviews of all products featured will be coming soon, so look forward to them in the weeks to come!

It was 3 for 2 on the 3 things I purchased, so my total came to £10.98 which was good. I really want to try a few more things whilst the 3 for 2 is on, especially some more Apocalips and a 17 Shimmer brick! I really want a Bobbi Brown one, so I'm hoping that if I get the 17 one it will fulfill my cravings! Haha, so I will show you what I got!

Lastly, I purchased this rather clever limited edition product from 'Seventeen'. (Seriously Boots, I didn't think there was anything wrong with seventeen as a number but.. hey ho I suppose!) The concept of this product is that it is a sponge which you put onto the blush, stamp your cheek with and blend. I got the Coral colour, but I am really impressed with this I now want the Pink as well. This was only £4.99 too, total bargain! I'm not sure what is going on with the page for this on the Boots website, I click the link and it goes to a lip crayon page?! Haha, I linked it anyways incase it works for you!

Sunday, 24 March 2013

How are you all? I hope you're all doing ok and liking my posts, if you have any recommendations or suggestions then I am completely open to them in the comments section!

For today, I am writing about a lovely product that I should of reviewed earlier! It's a palette from Sleek that consists of a medium brown contour colour, and beautiful shimmer highlight and a blush which is a peachy pink with gold shimmer, that reminds me of something Nars offers which I am yet to own.

I don't think I have any qualms about this packaging. It is matt black which I love (anything mattified to me looks instantly more expensive) and feels very sturdy! So no handbag mishaps here!

Here are some swatches!

So it goes the contour, highlight and then blusher. I love all of the shades, and for a highstreet contour is it very good, as most I find are overly orange! The highlight gives a lovely glow without looking super shiny and the blush is one of the most pigemented and healthy looking I own! Lasting power is good with these, I find that they start to fade around the 6-7 hour mark but if you have time to top up it is worth doing!

This palette is £10.00, which is really reasonable as that balances out to each product being around £3.33! You can buy it directly from Sleek - linked. or from Supedrug stores and online - linked. for a penny cheaper!

To sum up, I really really really like this item! I think it is such a nifty little kit that everyone should own!

Thank you for reading, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Saturday, 23 March 2013

How are you all? I hope you're doing well, perhaps you could take the time to answer my poll? It will hopefully help me improve my blog!

OPI are well known in the beauty/nail land. Really well known in fact, for their apptly named polishes and gorgeous collections. But not so well known for their hand creams, dubbed 'Avojuices'. Let me introduce you!

I purchased these Avojuies in a store called 'Boundary Mills'. They were priced at £2.25 each and I'm certain they're some kind of Christmas edition, as they are called 'Vanilla Snowflake' and 'Peppermint Shimmer'. Basically, they are mini hand creams that you can throw in your bag whenever your hands need a bit of TLC.

'Vanilla Snowflake' has a sweet vanilla scent. I do like the scent, it is a little sickly but only when you load it on.

'Peppermint Shimmer' is a wake me up kind of minty smell, which is shimmery (personally I don't see the point of a shimmery hand/body cream, but perhaps used as a body lotion on your legs may act as a highlight and give the illusion of leaner pins).

To me, these have given Soap & Glory Hand Food some competition. They have a great range of scents and these moisurise and absorb soooo quickly and there is no greasy felling. I don't suffer with overly dry hands, but I find they do a nice job of keeping them soft and supple!

Friday, 22 March 2013

Hey everyone! This blog post is a guest post that I did on 'TheBeauBow', but I thought I would share it with you since some of you may not have seen it.

Once again, Megan from TheBeautyPier is
back with a guest post whilst Lauren is internet-less. Whoever is dealing with
Lauren's internet, please get a move on, we have *important* blog browsing,
posting and video watching to do!

For a post to keep you all
entertained, I am going to give you a write up on my handbag essentials. I never
really take every single product around with me as I usually have a rather small
bag, but this is what I take when I have the space, and if it isn't every item
it will be a few still. Let's gooooo!

So, what you can see in the above image are
handbag must haves, if you have a large bag!

1. Compact Mirror.

If you don't have a compact mirror, go and treat
yourself to one, now! The one you can see is from Claire's, with a diamonté owl
which I thought was cute for £1.50! If you like to take around makeup products
that have a mirror in them, then this isn't really needed but you never know
when a stray hair pops up you need to pluck from your brow!

2. Cream Blush.

Cream blush is my saviour. I have dry skin, so
cream blush is more moisturising than powder and it is easier to apply, as you
don't need a brush on the go. The one featured here is Topshop Primer Time,
which can fade so top ups may be necessary also!

3. Lipbalm.

If there was one thing you could only take with
you, choose this! Cracked lips are a pain, especially in the lovely sunny
English land, so this is vital! The one you can see here is Chapstick Apple Lip
Balm.

4. Nail File.

I carry one of these everywhere as well as lip
balm. This is my second ultimate take away product! When your nails break, you
try to bite them into shape. Don't do it! That's what made me bite my nails
again so pop one of these in your bag to avoid nail mishaps!

5. Blotting Sheets

We all know powder can be such a bother, with
brushes needed to apply it which just take up way to much room, so if you suffer
from oilness throughout the day, just press one of these Kleenex Blotting Sheets
onto your face to absorb excess yucky stuff. There really effective!

6. Hand Cream.

Dry skin, perhaps dry hands? I know I get dry
patches between my fingers so this is quite helpful to leave my hands soft. In
the image you can see a mini OPI Avojuice in Vanilla Snowflake.

7. Hand Sanitizer

Maybe my third top hand bag must have? If you
commute, then pick up one of these to keep your hands squeaky clean! This
particular sanitizer is Hand Maid by Soap & Glory, which smells really nice
too!

8. Lip Product of the Day

This one is pretty obvious, if you want to keep
a fresh looking lip then carry your product around to top up! The one in the
image is a Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.

9. Concealer.

Usually I won't top up my concealer, just cover
any new blemishes that have popped up since the morning. Above is the much raved
about Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair.

So that's it! I apologise I didn't make it to
10, maybe a bag to put it in could fill that place?

Thank you very much for reading, come back soon,
hopefully Lauren will be here tomorrow!

Thursday, 21 March 2013

I bought this sleep balm in TKMaxx, for £3.79. It was in a little special Christmas cracker, but the product inside is not seasonal at all. Not bad, considering the RRP is £12!

I sometimes find it difficult to sleep, so I am willing to try things like thsi to help me drift off!

I do really like the packaging. It does the job and lid is a screw top so you don't have to worry about everything being secure inside. It is also good for travel as the packaging is small, blue and plastic.

I also really like the font... is that weird?

The instructions say to apply to pulse points, so I put it on my wrists and my temples. I'm unsure of how this actually works, but the scent is a very herbal lavender fragrance which I'm not really a fan of but don't mind. The product does have moisturising properties, though I wouldn't apply this to dry areas.

Inside, the look is akin to Vaseline, a clear substance that takes an ivory tone.

I'm actually unsure if this helps me get to sleep or not. I do feel like it may have a placebo effect, in that I am just thinking it works and will not sleep without it on in case I can't get to sleep. Did that make sense?

I do feel more relaxed, but not as dramatic as my eyes close as my head hits the pillow, more of a... 'Mmm...sleep' way.

Would I repurchase? Probably not as it is very expensive. However, if I find another in TKMaxx I may, just incase when it is gone I realise how good it was.

If you have read this far, thank you! I apologise this post seems so jumbled :P